Buxton, North Carolina, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Buxton and nearby Rodanthe are grappling with severe coastal erosion, leading to the collapse of 21 homes since 2020, with significant damage occurring just last week. The ongoing erosion threatens residential properties and poses environmental risks from debris. Local communities are advocating for jetty repairs and beach nourishment projects, as experts warn of rising sea levels exacerbating the situation. The crisis underscores the urgent need for sustainable coastal management in the face of climate change.
Buxton, North Carolina Faces Crisis as Coastal Erosion Leads to House Collapses
Coastal communities like the Outer Banks are grappling with significant erosion challenges, with Hatteras Island feeling the impact acutely. Since 2020, a total of 21 houses on Hatteras Island have fallen into the ocean, including nine collapses that occurred in just the past week. Areas particularly affected include Buxton and Rodanthe, which are experiencing severe shoreline loss due to the escalating erosion rates.
Shocking Erosion Rates and Damage
Buxton has been dealing with a notable erosion rate of about half a mile per century. Recent studies indicate that Rodanthe is losing over 15 feet of coastline each year. Historical shoreline loss in the Outer Banks has accumulated to approximately 675 feet since 1987. Concerningly, a recent drone and lidar study showed that parts of the shoreline retreated an average of 68 feet after recent storms, with certain locations even losing up to 141 feet of beach.
Beyond the immediate concerns of property loss, structural collapses have resulted in debris fields stretching for miles, leading to potential environmental hazards from septic tanks and household waste threatening to pollute the ocean. Ongoing cleanup efforts in Buxton have involved about 140 truckloads of debris removed by National Park Service volunteers.
The Science Behind Erosion
Experts studying the situation, such as Laura Moore, a professor of coastal geomorphology, emphasize that homes were originally built outside the storm impact zone. However, the effects of erosion have moved the shoreline closer, jeopardizing residential properties. Brad Murray, from Duke University, suggests that the construction of hard structures like seawalls can sometimes exacerbate erosion in other areas, further complicating the situation.
Regulatory and Community Responses
In response to these challenges, the Buxton Civic Association has been actively advocating for the repair of the existing jetty system, which dates back to Navy operations. The Dare County government has approved repairs for the first intact jetty set for 2026, alongside a beach nourishment project directed at combating erosion.
In North Carolina, the ban on building hardened structures along the coast aims to preserve natural landscapes, yet the frequency and intensity of erosion events are raising urgent calls for reevaluation of this policy, especially in light of rising sea levels. Experts predict that sea levels could rise by as much as 14 inches by 2050, compounding the erosion issues faced by coastal communities.
The Long-Term Outlook and Future Risks
The long-term trend indicates that the combination of rising sea levels and increasing storm impacts is making homes along the Outer Banks more susceptible to collapse. With forecasts warning of further damage expected from upcoming king tides and coastal storms, proactive management of these coastal changes is emphasized as essential not just for the Outer Banks but across similar vulnerable areas nationwide.
Conclusion
The situation in Buxton and the Outer Banks serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable coastal management practices. The ongoing crisis reflects both the natural challenges posed by climate change and the ongoing effects of human activity along the shoreline.
FAQ
What is the current situation regarding coastal erosion in the Outer Banks?
Coastal communities like the Outer Banks are facing severe erosion challenges, particularly in Buxton and Rodanthe. Since 2020, 21 houses on Hatteras Island have fallen into the ocean, with nine collapses occurring just last week.
What are the erosion rates in Buxton and Rodanthe?
Buxton has experienced erosion of about half a mile per century. Erosion rates in the Outer Banks are among the highest in the U.S., with Rodanthe losing over 15 feet of coast per year.
How is the community responding to the erosion crisis?
The Buxton Civic Association has advocated for repairing the existing jetty system, and Dare County has approved repairs to the first intact jetty for 2026, alongside a beach nourishment project.
What environmental risks are associated with the house collapses?
Structural collapses have led to debris fields extending for miles, risking pollution from septic tanks and household waste.
What is the long-term outlook for the Outer Banks regarding erosion?
Forecasts warn of additional damage from upcoming king tides and coastal storms that could exacerbate erosion risks.
Key Features of Coastal Erosion in Outer Banks
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current House Collapses | 21 houses on Hatteras Island have collapsed since 2020, with 9 occurring last week. |
| Erosion Rate in Buxton | Averages about half a mile per century. |
| Erosion Rate in Rodanthe | Loses over 15 feet of coast per year. |
| Total Historical Shoreline Loss | Approximately 675 feet since 1987. |
| Upcoming Jetty Repairs | First intact jetty repairs set for 2026. |
| Projected Sea Level Rise | Could increase by 14 inches by 2050. |
| Cleanup Efforts | 140 truckloads of debris have been removed by volunteers. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Buxton Residents Face Crisis as Homes Collapse into Ocean
Coastal Flooding Threatens Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Regions
Severe Coastal Erosion Causes Home Collapses in Buxton, N.C.
North Carolina’s Outer Banks Faces Coastal Flooding Threat from King Tides
Additional Resources
- Star News Online – Coastal Erosion and Hurricane Impact
- Wikipedia: Coastal Erosion
- WRAL – 3D Mapping and Shoreline Loss
- Google Search: Coastal Erosion Outer Banks
- Fox Weather – Coastal Erosion Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coast
- USA Today – Map of Collapsed Houses
- Google News: Outer Banks House Collapse
- 13 News Now – Policies for Erosion Prevention
- Google Scholar: Coastal Erosion NC
- Washington Post – House Collapses Analysis
- Google News: Coastal Management Outer Banks
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
